2022 Chevrolet Suburban vs 2023 Land Rover Defender

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's full-size truck design language, which it shared with the Tahoe SUV and Silverado 1500 pickup. Its tall hood, long proportions, and large wheels gave it a commanding presence on the road. The Suburban offered a variety of grille, fascia, and wheel designs across its six trims, allowing for a degree of customization despite its single body style. The RST trim, in particular, stood out with its Cherry Red Tintcoat exterior, black-painted 22-inch wheels, and sporty monochromatic black grille. Inside, the Suburban provided a spacious cabin that ranged from comfortable on the base LS trim to luxurious on the High Country. The RST trim featured 10-way power front seats, Jet Black perforated leather with Victory Red stitching, and an optional Luxury package, though the predominantly black interior could feel a bit dark.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, was celebrated for its boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, which resonated with customers. Its industrial design was consistent, with square-jawed features and steep angles, giving it a classic truck appearance. The Defender paid homage to its 1980s predecessor with tasteful accents like dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. It offered three body styles—90, 110, and 130—each with unique seating configurations. The interior was functional and durable, with rubbers and plastics designed to resist stains. Despite its high price, the Defender's interior was basic, with exposed screws and plain air vents, maintaining its hardcore character. The Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition, priced at around $140,000, was considered excessive, yet it continued to sell well in Canada.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine choices: a 5.3-litre V8, a 6.2-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel inline-six, all paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The base 5.3-litre V8 produced 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, while the 6.2-litre V8 delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. The new 3.0-litre diesel engine provided 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, offering excellent fuel efficiency. The Suburban's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and increased cargo space. The RST trim, equipped with the 6.2-litre V8 and Magnetic Ride Control, offered effortless power and acceleration, making it ideal for towing, with a maximum capacity of 3,765 kilograms.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with impressive grip, wheel articulation, and clearance. Its turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided strong performance. The V8, with 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, offered exhilarating acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, delivered 395 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 16.4/12.7/14.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less refined, with excessive body roll and wind noise.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban was renowned for its spaciousness, accommodating up to nine occupants with the optional front-row bench seat. The third row was comfortable for adults, and access was excellent. The Suburban boasted 1,175 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 4,097 litres with the second and third rows folded. The power-sliding centre console and hidden storage drawer added convenience. However, its size made it challenging to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces, and the electronic push-button transmission controls required adjustment for those used to a column-mounted shifter.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the Defender 90 seating six with a jump seat. The 110 and 130 models provided optional third rows, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass and panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility. Cargo space varied, with the Defender 130 offering 2,180 litres with seats folded. Buyers could equip their Defenders with off-road or all-season tires, and the 130's metal roof rack supported up to 160 kilograms when moving. Features like a console refrigerator, heated windshield, and power-deployable side steps added versatility.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban featured a range of technology, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster standard on LT trims and above. Google built-in, with Google Maps and Assistant, was also standard on these trims. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System, with an 8-inch touchscreen, was standard on the LS, while a 10.2-inch system was available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot, were standard. The audio system varied, with a six-speaker system on the LS and a nine-speaker Bose system on the LT.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while an optional 11.4-inch screen provided greater legibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and keyless entry were standard. The Defender 110 S featured heated 12-way power seats and a Meridian sound system. The X trim included air suspension, a locking rear differential, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Chevrolet Suburban came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and front pedestrian braking. For 2022, front park assist, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning were added. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Suburban received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. It featured six airbags, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel, head-up display, and 360-degree camera system.